Yahoo News Emmerdale star reveals Belle's reaction to Tom's new relationship
Note: The following article references domestic abuse and coercive control.
Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper has revealed her character Belle King's reaction to ex-husband Tom's new relationship.
Belle recently escaped from her marriage to Tom after suffering months of physical and emotional abuse. Sadly, Tom has continued to manipulate Belle by secretly spying on her and pretending that her dog, Piper, had been killed.
In an attempt to protect any future partners Tom may have, Belle recently made a trip to the police station to ask if she can use Clare's Law to make a disclosure about his abusive nature.
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In scenes set to air next week, Belle is shocked to learn that Tom is in the early stages of a relationship with Amelia Spencer, and instantly fears for the young mum's safety.
When Tom later lets himself into Belle's home, Belle orders him to leave Amelia alone.
Taylor-Draper, who has earned an NTA nomination for her role in the storyline, explained that Tom takes Belle's strong reaction as "jealously" and wants to "win her back".
"But in fact, it's the complete opposite. Belle is just so worried for Amelia's safety," she added.
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"She would do anything to try and stop this happening again but Tom takes her reaction as her still being interested, while Amelia thinks she is just obsessed with Tom still. So again, it's such a frustrating situation as no one is seeing it for what it really is."
Taylor-Draper went on to share that Belle believes her torment won't end after Tom broke into her house, saying: "That is a real moment where Belle just thinks this is her life.
"This is how it is going to be for the rest of her life as she doesn't have the strength to try and get out of it. She doesn't know she can. I think that that is a really good way to describe it. She is just so worn down at that point that she has almost given up."
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These scenes will lead up to a special Belle-centric episode airing next Thursday (September 5), which will see Belle experience a dreamlike day where she sees strands of what may happen to her in the future.
"In this stylised episode we explore Belle's worst fears and see the true extent of the impact of her abusive relationship with Tom has had on her," said producer Sophie Roper.
"If one person seeks help for a situation they are in because of seeing Belle's plight it will be an achievement."
The hour-long episode was conceived with guidance from the domestic violence charity Refuge. Tony Higgins has penned the script, while Tim O'Mara directs.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk), New Beginnings Peer Support (www.newbeginningspeersupport.com) and Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk) can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.
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